The Baptism of Jesus Christ

I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:5).

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At the beginning of Jesus Christ’s ministry, He traveled from Galilee to the Jordan River. John the Baptist was there preaching and baptizing the people. Jesus went to John and asked to be baptized. John did not want to do it, because he thought that Jesus should baptize him. He asked Jesus why He needed to be baptized. The Savior explained that He needed to be baptized to be obedient to the commandments of Heavenly Father.

“And John went down into the water and baptized him.

“And Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and John saw, and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon Jesus.

“And lo, he heard a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear ye him.” (JST, Matt. 3:44–46, page 802, LDS edition of the King James Bible.)

Jesus Christ set the example for us to be baptized. He has told us, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). When we are baptized, we make a covenant, or promise, to Heavenly Father to:

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“come into the fold of God” [become a member of His Church]

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“be called his people” [take upon us the name of Christ]

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“[be] willing to bear one another’s burdens”

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“comfort those that stand in need of comfort” [help others]

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“stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” [testify of Christ and set a good example]